North Branch Land Trust Receives Grant From PPL Foundation To Survey Rare Plants In Butler Preserve, Luzerne County

On October 5, the North Branch Land Trust announced it has received a $4,000 grant from the PPL Foundation to support a survey of a rare plant community surrounding Butler Preserve in Luzerne County. 

The North Branch Land Trust’s Butler Preserve is a protected part of a large contiguous Acidic Ridgetop Barrens ecosystem and identified in Luzerne County’s Natural Heritage Inventory. 

This unique ecosystem is a mosaic of natural communities and includes the Pitch Pine–Scrub Oak Woodland, a rare plant community in Pennsylvania. 

While Butler only accounts for a small portion of the Barrens, North Branch Land Trust and Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program will work collaboratively on a conservation strategy for this rare Barrens Community to maintain the ecological character of the landscape and connections to other protected lands to maintain wildlife corridors.

Ellen Ferretti, Executive Director of North Branch Land Trust, said “The Butler Preserve is a beautiful place where this barrens habitat is protected by North Branch Land Trust and thrives alongside the magnificent Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails. The trail winds its way through this conserved rare landscape, providing a place to walk without disturbing the barrens community. It’s a beautiful combination that provides the best of all worlds.” 

The survey of the Butler Barrens ecosystem will have a long-term impact on strategic conservation activities. 

At Butler Preserve, this survey would identify important next steps for the management and conservation of the Barrens ecosystem. 

With a new strategic plan for Butler’s habitat and a greater community understanding and appreciation for its stewardship, North Branch hopes to prepare the Preserve for increased natural resource protection and sustainable access.  

Emma Thompson, Land Stewardship and Conservation Coordinator added, “Having the opportunity to manage and conserve the Barrens habitat is incredible. This ecosystem is so unique in Pennsylvania, it deserves greater attention to ensure its continued presence. As well as being home to uncommon trees and plants in Pennsylvania, several animal species rely on dwindling barrens habitat for their survival including ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, timber rattlesnake, golden-winged warblers, and American woodcock. We are very fortunate to allow public access so people can learn about the rare plants found there along with our management strategies that will allow it to prosper.” 

The Trust hopes to foster a greater awareness for visitors to care for and steward all the natural landscapes they may visit.

If you would like to contribute to this important initiative, Click Here.

For more information on land conservation, programs, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the North Branch Land Trust website, following them on Facebook and Twitter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates (bottom of page).

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[Posted: October 5, 2023]  PA Environment Digest